Karim Benzema's lawyer provides update on transfer future amid Arsenal and Chelsea links

Speculation surrounding Karim Benzema's future has been quelled by the player's lawyer.

Arsenal and Chelsea are two of several clubs linked with the veteran striker, following reports of a falling out with Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad and of his alleged unhappiness in the Middle East.

Benzema's lawyer, Hugues Vigier, has dismissed the player's current struggles on the pitch - with his team off the pace in the title race - as any sign that he will leave, although he hinted that former club Lyon would be on the table should he seek an exit.

He told French channel RMC: "When you are used to a certain level [of performance] and your results are a little less good at a given moment, people immediately say that it is the end of your career.

"I have to say that I would be quite happy to see him come back to play in Lyon, I would like it... but he hasn't told me that yet!"

Rumours of discontent in the Benzema camp were fuelled by his late return to Al-Ittihad from a holiday in Mauritius.

However it was soon clarified that Cyclone Belal was responsible for him being unable to fly out of the popular holiday resort.

Vigier added: "He has experienced ups and downs in his career, perhaps this period is less prosperous, and he has also been injured.

"He left for a few days, he was held back from returning to Saudi Arabia by the cyclone. He then returned to Saudi Arabia.

"We saw him rise from the ashes. If you remember, he didn't play much when he arrived at Real Madrid, then he became this absolutely essential player. And he has worse moments and better moments, it’s like that for all athletes."